Detect and deport illegal immigrants, states told

HIGHLIGHTS

Home ministry has asked states to set up a task force at the district level to identify and deport illegal immigrants

Intelligence agencies have expressed concern that terror organisations in J&K and other parts may use the Rohingyas against India

NEW DELHI: Asserting that illegal immigrants like Rohingyas pose grave security concerns and infringe on the rights of Indian citizens, the Centre has written to states, asking them to detect and deport them.In a communication to states on August 8, the home ministry said, “These illegal immigrants not only infringe on the rights of Indian citizens but also pose grave security challenges.” It says the rise of terrorism in last few decades has become a serious concern for most nations as illegal migrants are more vulnerable to getting recruited by terrorist organisations.Infiltration of (the Rohingyas) from Rakhine state of Myanmar into Indian Territory, especially in recent years, besides being burden on the limited resources of the country also aggravates security challenges posed to India, it said.The MHA said: “Due to a variety of reasons, including political and economic turmoil in neighbouring countries, people from such countries often enter India. There are cultural and ethnic similarities, on many occasions such migration goes unnoticed and they settle in Indian territory.”The ministry has asked the state governments to set up a task force at the district level to identify and deport illegal immigrants.

The intelligence agencies have often expressed concern over a large number of Rohingyas crossing over to India as they feel that terror organisations in J&K and other parts may use them against India.

Terror outfits like Indian Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Toiba have in the past expressed solidarity with Rohingyas. In fact, IM had carried out the July 7, 2013 blasts at Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya to avenge the killing of Rohingyas in Myanmar. Similarly, LeT bomb-maker Abdul Karim Tunda had disclosed after his arrest in 2013 that he was trying to recruit Rohingya Muslims. Pakistan-based LeT chief Hafiz Saeed has often spoken in support of Rohingyas.

Union minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju said in Parliament last week that, according to available data, more than 14,000 Rohingyas, registered with the UNHCR, are presently staying in India.